Liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels

ABSTRACT

A method includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication the cap; connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to liquid dispensers for refilling liquid containing vessels and methods for refilling liquid concentrator systems having a portable portion that can be connected and disconnected with respect to a base portion.

BACKGROUND

An electronic cigarette is a hand-held, easily transportable device that vaporizes a liquid solution for inhalation by a user. Electronic cigarettes are also sometimes referred to by the names e-cigarette and personal vaporizer. The liquid solution typically includes a flavoring. Because electronic cigarettes are often used as a replacement for conventional cigarettes, the liquid solution also typically includes nicotine.

Because the liquid solution is vaporized during use, it is eventually depleted. Refilling an electronic cigarette can be a cumbersome and time consuming process. As an example, many electronic cigarettes include a wicking material in which the liquid solution is stored until it is vaporized. One common method for refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a dropper to drip the solution on to the wicking material. Because the wicking material is typically located within a narrow housing, using a dropper to apply the liquid solution to the wicking material can be difficult and messy. Another common method for refilling this type of electronic cigarette utilizes a syringe to apply the liquid solution to the wicking material. While this solves some of the problems associated with using a dropper, many persons are uncomfortable with the idea of possessing and using a syringe, which limits mass-market acceptance of this method.

SUMMARY

Liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels are taught herein.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method that includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the cap; connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a method for filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, and a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing. The method includes providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container, a first portion that defines a bore, and a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the interior of the nozzle; connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir such that the nozzle of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture of the connecting structure; and causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus that includes a liquid dispensing cap. The liquid dispensing cap has a first portion that is substantially tubular and has an inner annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the first portion. The liquid dispensing cap also has a nozzle that is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first portion. The nozzle has a liquid dispensing opening and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the nozzle is spaced apart from the inner annular wall of the first portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration showing a liquid dispenser that includes a container and a cap;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the liquid dispenser showing a cap body of the cap and a nozzle of the cap;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the cap body;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the nozzle;

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser and the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a liquid dispenser according to an alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette; and

FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser according to the alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein is directed to liquid dispensers and methods for refilling liquid containing vessels. The liquid dispensers and methods disclosed herein have particular applicability to filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to use in the context of filling the liquid reservoirs of electronic cigarettes, and that the liquid dispensers and methods discussed herein could be adapted for use in the context of filling other types of liquid reservoirs.

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a liquid dispenser 100. The liquid dispenser 100 includes a container 110 and a cap 120 that is removably connected to the container 110.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the container 110 and the cap 120. The container 110 defines a hollow interior 112 for holding a liquid (not shown). A connecting structure such as an external screw thread 114 is formed on the container 110 for connecting the container 110 to the cap 120 and is located adjacent to an open end 116 of the container 110.

The cap 120 can include a cap body 122 and a nozzle 150. In some implementations, however, the nozzle can be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view showing the cap body 122 of the cap 120. The cap body 122 includes a first portion 124 that is connectable to a liquid reservoir (not shown in FIG. 2), a second portion 126 that is connectable to the container 110, and a lid portion 128. The cap body 122, inclusive of the first portion 124, the second portion 126, and the lid portion 128 can be formed as a unitary body. As an example, the cap body 122 can be formed from a plastic material, such as high density polyethylene, but it should be understood that other materials could be utilized. The cap body 122 is a substantially hollow structure having a hollow interior that extends through the cap body 122, inclusive of the first portion 124 and the second portion 126, such as to allow fluids to flow through the cap body 122, as will be explained in detail herein. The first portion 124 of the cap body 122 can be substantially tubular, having an inner annular wall 130 that defines a bore 132 that extends through the first portion 124. In the illustrated example, a screw thread 134 is formed on the inner annular wall 130 of the first portion 124 adjacent to an open end thereof. In other implementations, however, the screw thread 134 can be located elsewhere or can be omitted.

The second portion 126 can be configured such that a portion of the container 110 is receivable within the interior of the second portion 126 for the purpose of connecting the container 110 to the cap body 122. In addition, a connecting structure such as a screw thread 136 can be formed on an inner annular wall 138 of the second portion 126 for the purpose of engaging the external screw thread 114 of the container 110 to connect the cap body 122 to the container 110.

The cap body 122 can include an internal shoulder 140 that is positioned at a location where the first portion 124 meets the second portion 126. The internal shoulder 140 can transition the internal diameter of the cap body 122 from a smaller internal diameter that is present within the first portion 124 to a larger internal diameter that is present in the second portion 126. An annular channel 142 can be formed on the internal shoulder 140 and be depressed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the surface of the internal shoulder 140. The annular channel 142 is configured to engage a portion of the nozzle 150 for securing the nozzle 150 with respect to the cap body 122, as will be explained further herein.

The lid portion 128 of the cap body 122 can be pivotally connected or detachable with respect to the remainder of the cap body 122 for the purpose of allowing at least part of the cap body 122, such as the first portion 124, to be selectively covered. In the illustrated example, the lid portion 128 is pivotally connected to the first portion 124 and the second portion 126 of the cap body 122 by a living hinge 144 and is securable with respect to the first portion 124 of the cap body 122 by a snap fit with respect to a radial shoulder 146 that is formed on an external surface of the cap body 122 adjacent to the first portion 124 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view showing the nozzle 150. The nozzle 150 includes a frustroconical portion 152 having an outer surface 154. The frustroconical portion 152 defines a fluid passageway therein that extends from a base opening 156 at a first end of the nozzle 150 to a fluid-dispensing opening or fluid-dispensing tip 158 at a second end of the nozzle 150. Adjacent to the base opening 156 of the nozzle 150, a radially-extending flange 160 extends outward relative to the outer surface 154 of the frustroconical portion 152. At an outer periphery 162 of the radially-extending flange 160, an annular lip extends outward from the radially-extending flange 160 in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle 150. The longitudinal direction of the nozzle 150 is defined as a directional that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle 150, which extends from the base opening 156 toward the fluid-dispensing tip 158 of the nozzle 150.

The nozzle 150 is configured to be connected to the cap body 122 such that the radially-extending flange 160 of the nozzle 150 is in engagement with the internal shoulder 140 of the cap body 122 and such that the annular flange 164 of the nozzle 150 is seated within the annular channel 142 of the cap body 122. When the nozzle 150 is connected to the cap body 122 in this manner, the frustroconical portion 152 of the nozzle 150 extends through the bore 132 of the first portion 124 of the cap body 122 such that the outer surface 154 of the frustroconical portion 152 of the nozzle 150 is spaced apart from the inner annular wall 130 of the first portion 124 of the cap body 122. Furthermore, when the container 110 is connected to the cap 120, the container 110 engages the nozzle 150 and captures the nozzle 150 between the container 110 and the cap body 122, such that the nozzle 150 is restrained against moving with respect to the cap body 122 (FIG. 5A).

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser 100 and first example of a liquid reservoir 200 for an electronic cigarette (not shown) wherein the liquid dispenser 100 is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir 200 for the electronic cigarette. FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser 100 and the liquid reservoir 200 for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser 100 is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir 200 for the electronic cigarette.

The liquid reservoir 200 includes a tubular housing 210 that extends from a first end 212 to a second end 214. The tubular housing can be formed from materials such as metal or plastic. A connecting structure 220 is located at the first end 212 of the tubular housing 210. A mouthpiece 250 can be located at the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210.

The connecting structure 220 includes an aperture 222 that extends through the connecting structure 220 for communication with an interior of the tubular housing 210. The connecting structure 220 can also include a screw thread 224 that is formed on the connecting structure 220. In particular, the connecting structure 220 can be substantially cylindrical, and the screw thread 224 can be formed on the outer annular surface or wall of the connecting structure 220.

The mouthpiece 250 is connected to the tubular housing 210 and has a passageway 252 formed therethrough. The passageway 252 allows fluid communication between the interior of the tubular housing 210 and the exterior of the tubular housing 210, such that air can be drawn through the tubular housing 210 by the user, thus allowing delivery of the vaporized liquid to the user.

In the illustrated example, the mouthpiece 250 is in the form of a plug that as formed from a resilient plastic or rubber and is connected to the tubular housing 210 by a friction fit. Mouthpieces can be provided in other forms, such as being integrally formed with respect to the tubular housing 210 or such as in the form of an elongated body that is connected to the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210 and extends outward therefrom.

The liquid reservoir 200 includes a wicking material 230 that is disposed within the tubular housing 210. The wicking material 230 is adapted to absorb and store a liquid, such as a liquid solution that includes a flavoring and/or nicotine. The wicking material 230 can be a substantially cylindrical body of any suitable absorbent material. A passageway 232 can be formed axially through the wicking material 230. The wicking material 230 stores the liquid for use by a vaporizer assembly 240. As an example, the vaporizer assembly 240 can include a wicking tube that receives liquid from the wicking material 230 and an electric heating coil that receives power from a battery associated with the electronic cigarette via the connecting structure 220, where the electric heating coils heats the fluid in order to vaporize it. Other types of vaporizer assemblies can be provided as the vaporizer assembly 240.

The liquid dispenser 100 can be moved from the disconnected position (FIG. 5A) with respect to the liquid reservoir 200 to the connected position (FIG. 5B) with respect to the liquid reservoir 200. The disconnected position is established when the liquid dispenser 100 is not engaged with the liquid reservoir 200. The connected position is established when the first portion 124 of the cap 120 of the liquid dispenser 100 is engaged with the liquid reservoir 200 such that the first portion 124 of the cap 120 is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir 200. A substantially seal is defined as a seal that is not necessarily an air-tight or fluid-tight seal, but is sufficient to allow transfer of liquid from the liquid dispenser 100 to the liquid reservoir 200 with minimal leakage.

As an example, a substantial seal can be defined in the connected position by threaded engagement of the screw thread 134 of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 of the liquid dispenser 100 with the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200. As another example, the screw thread 134 of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 and the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 can be omitted, and instead, a friction fit can establish a substantial seal between the screw thread 134 of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 and the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200. In this example, one or both of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 or the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 could be formed from a resilient material such as soft plastic, rubber, or silicone to promote a substantial seal. As another example, one of the screw thread 134 of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 or the screw thread 224 of the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 can be omitted, and engagement of the first portion 124 of the cap 120 with the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 could cause cutting of the omitted screw thread by the other screw thread.

In use, the liquid reservoir 200 can be filled using a liquid that is disposed within the container 110 of the liquid dispenser 100. The first portion 124 of the cap body 122 of the cap 120 of the liquid dispenser 100 is connected to the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200 such that the nozzle 150 of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture 222 of the connecting structure 220. A substantial seal can thus be defined between the first portion 124 of the cap body 122 of the cap 120 and the connecting structure 220 of the liquid reservoir 200. The user then causes the liquid to flow from the container 110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular housing 210, for example, by applying pressure to the container 110. This causes the fluid to contact the wicking material 230, so that the wicking material 230 can absorb at least a portion of the liquid and store the liquid for later use. Causing the liquid to flow from the container 110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular housing 210 can include applying pressure to the liquid. One example of application of pressure to the liquid includes compressing the internal space of the container 110, such as by squeezing the container 110. As the liquid enters the tubular housing 210, it initially travels through the passageway 232 that is defined through the wicking material 230. Forcing the liquid into the wicking material 230 can be performed by blocking fluid conducting pathways along which the fluid could otherwise exit the tubular housing 210 prior to causing the liquid to flow from the container 110, through the nozzle 150, and into to the tubular housing 210. As an example, blocking fluid conducting passageways can include sealing the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210. As another example, blocking fluid conducting passageways can include blocking the passageway 252 of the mouthpiece 250. As an example, the user can block the passageway 252 by engaging an object with the mouth piece 250 at the passageway 252, such as a finger 10 of the user. In some examples, doing this can include sealing the second end 214 of the tubular housing 210.

In the foregoing example, the liquid dispenser 100 includes the nozzle 150. However, in some implementations, the nozzle is omitted. Use of the liquid dispenser 100 without the nozzle 150 remains the same, except that the liquid passes through the cap body 122 directly , instead of passing through the nozzle.

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view of a liquid dispenser 300 according to an alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir 400 for an electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser 300 is in a disconnected position relative to the liquid reservoir 400 for the electronic cigarette. FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of the liquid dispenser 300 according to the alternative embodiment and the liquid reservoir 400 for the electronic cigarette wherein the liquid dispenser 300 is in a connected position relative to the liquid reservoir 400 for the electronic cigarette.

The liquid dispenser 300 is identical to the liquid dispenser 100 except that an external screw thread 334 is formed on an outer annular wall 330 of a first portion 324 of a cap body 322 of a cap 320 of the liquid dispenser 300. Other parts of the liquid dispenser 300 are as described with respect to the liquid dispenser 100. The liquid reservoir 400 is identical to the liquid reservoir 200 except that an internal screw thread 424 is formed on a connecting structure 420 of the liquid reservoir 400. Thus, when the liquid dispenser 300 is in the connected position with respect to the liquid reservoir 400, at least part of the first portion 324 of the cap body 322 is disposed within the connecting structure 420 of the liquid reservoir 400 and the external screw thread 334 is engaged with the internal screw thread 424. Use of the liquid dispenser 300 is as described with respect to the liquid dispenser 100.

While the description herein has been made in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the claims are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a first portion that defines a bore and a second portion that is connectable to the container; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the cap; connecting the first portion of the cap to a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end and a wicking material disposed within the tubular housing.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette further causes the liquid to contact the wicking material.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein connecting the first portion of the cap to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette cause the liquid dispensing tip to be disposed within the liquid reservoir.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a first screw thread, the first portion of the cap includes a second screw thread, and connecting the first portion of the cap to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette includes threadedly engaging the first screw thread of the liquid reservoir with the second screw thread of the first portion of the cap.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container and into the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette includes applying pressure to the liquid at the container.
 8. A method for filling a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, and a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing, the method comprising: providing a container having a liquid disposed therein; providing a cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container, a first portion that defines a bore, and a nozzle that extends through the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having an interior and a liquid dispensing tip; connecting the second portion of the cap to the container such that the liquid is in communication with the interior of the nozzle; connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir such that the nozzle of the cap is at least partially disposed within the aperture of the connecting structure; and causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid reservoir includes a wicking material that is disposed within the housing, and causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into the tubular housing further includes causing the liquid to contact the wicking material.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: sealing the second end of the tubular housing prior to causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir includes a first screw thread, the first portion of the cap includes a second screw thread, and connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir includes threadedly engaging the first screw thread of the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir with the second screw thread of the first portion of the cap.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second screw thread is located on an interior annular surface of the first portion of the cap.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second screw thread is located on an exterior annular surface of the first portion of the cap.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting the first portion of the cap to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir establishes a seal between the cap and the liquid reservoir.
 15. The method of claim 8, wherein causing the liquid to flow from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing includes applying pressure to the liquid at the container.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a liquid dispensing cap having a first portion that is substantially tubular, the first portion having an inner annular wall that defines a bore that extends through the first portion, and a nozzle that is disposed at least partially within the bore of the first portion, the nozzle having a liquid dispensing opening and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the nozzle is spaced apart from the inner annular wall of the first portion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a container having a liquid disposed therein; the liquid dispensing cap having a second portion that is connectable to the container such that at least a portion of the container is disposed within the second portion of the liquid dispensing cap, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap and the second portion of the liquid dispensing cap are parts of a unitary cap body that defines an internal annular shoulder between the first portion and the second portion; and the nozzle of the liquid dispensing cap being removable with respect to the unitary cap body, the nozzle including a radially-extending flange that is seated against the shoulder of the unitary cap body and is restrained from moving with respect to the unitary cap body by engagement of the container with the radially-extending flange of the nozzle.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir having a wicking material disposed therein, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is disposed in communication with an interior of the liquid reservoir, and further wherein the nozzle is configured to conduct the liquid from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing for contact with the wicking material in response to application of pressure to the liquid.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a liquid reservoir for an electronic cigarette, the liquid reservoir including a tubular housing that extends from a first end to a second end, a connecting structure located at the first end of the tubular housing, the connecting structure including an aperture that extends through the connecting structure for communication with an interior of the tubular housing and a first screw thread formed on the connecting structure, and a wicking material that is disposed within the tubular housing, wherein the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is connectable to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette such that the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette and the nozzle is disposed in communication with an interior of the tubular housing of the liquid reservoir, and further wherein the nozzle is configured to conduct the liquid from the container, through the nozzle, and into to the tubular housing for contact with the wicking material in response to application of pressure to the liquid.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a first screw thread is formed on the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir for the electronic cigarette, a second screw thread is formed on the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap, and the first portion of the liquid dispensing cap is substantially sealed with respect to the connecting structure of the liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette by threaded engagement of the first screw thread with the second screw thread. 